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Sperrin Metal acquires UK locker manufacturer

Mar 14, 2008

Invest Northern Ireland has helped Draperstown-based Sperrin Metal acquire English company Helmsman, in a move that will expand the County Londonderry firm’s export potential and increase their overall turnover.

Sperrin Metal specialises in the manufacture and distribution of storage products such as shelving, lockers, racking and mezzanine flooring for a range of customers including schools, government departments and multinational companies throughout Europe.

An Interim Manager, employed by Sperrin Metal with the help of Invest NI to assist the company to expand in the UK, identified the opportunity to buy Helmsman, an established locker manufacturer.

The purchase means that Sperrin Metal has improved its access to the UK storage equipment market through Helmsman’s established customer base.

Mr Pat Gormley, Chairman of Sperrin Metal, said: “The acquisition of Helmsman represents significant progress for our growth strategy. We identified opportunities in the UK locker market, and by purchasing Helmsman, a recognised brand leader, we are now in a position to take advantage of these opportunities and increase our market share.

“By developing our business in the UK, we can look to further establish our distribution networks in Europe in order to boost our exports there,” added Mr Gormley.

Victor Jordan, Invest NI’s Director of Business Improvement Services, commented: “Sperrin Metal has increased its competitiveness by focusing on growing its business through a take over outside Northern Ireland. Other advantages of the acquisition include economies of scale and a stronger portfolio of innovative products.”

New products in the Sperrin Metal range, as a result of the purchase, include leisure lockers, washroom seating and cubicles.